The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-26
Outlining the Republican Policy.

70 the Editor of the indianapolis Journal
If the Republican party would be successful it
must let the people know that it is in earnest
terribly in earnest--as it did in 1860. Then
there trimming. It said what it meant,
and meant just what it said. There was no un-
certain sound in the utterances of it's leaders
and when they were placed in power they made
good their promises. With Mr. Lincoln and the
men associated with him the platform meant
something-a declaration of principles upon
which the affairs of the Nation should be con-.
Quoted. if the people should intrust them with
the administration of affairs. Now let US get
back there again. Let US show the people that
are in earnest, and that WILL if success
full. carry out our declarations, and will sue
coed. Fulsome resolutions smacking of Demo-
cratic vote-catching declarations will not do
Unhappily for the Republican party and the
Nation the latter has been too much the practice
of late years The truth will not hurt US, but
will do US much good just now. 1t is time we
were again striking out for ourselves and
assuming the independence that formerly car
ried our banner to victory. If some men don't
like 1t let them go to the Democratic party
where they ought to be. one false friend is
more hurtful than twenty open enemies.
l regard the surplus in the treasury as great
scarecrow. It is not hurting anybody 1 am
lead to this conclusion from a careful considera-
ton OF this matter. and remembering who it
that first raised the hue and cry about
the surplus. The Democratic leaders first
raised the cry. and they had a purpose in it.
Their first reason WAS their enmity to the old
soldiers. In this, of course. President Clevs.
land is in exact accord with his party. With that
surplus in the treasury there can be no plaus-
iole excuse offered for not having done or
now doing justice to the men who made it
possible for Mr.. Cleveland to be President of
the United States If am correctly informed
there now TO- coo or IL, 900 of the defenders
of the Nation IN poor-housss, not a good
place for who rsked his life for the
Nation, especially when few patry dollars
of the millions boarded would enable him to
live like an American soldier should. There are
perhaps as many more that are kept out of the
poor-nouse only by the charity of the Grand
Army of the Republic and their co-workers, the
Womans Relief Corps. These men cannot obtain
the pensions the aid they entitled to
under the present laws of Congress. 1t is the
duty of Congress. without any more foolishness
or croakiug about the vast sums that
would be required to do this act Of simple JUS
tice to 60 to work and do it. If this was done
the surplus would not be great. IL the
Democratic party can by any possible means
reduce the revenues of the Nation so low that
there will be money out of which such help
can be given them. without additional taxation,
they would call it, they will do so.
The second reason the Democratic party has
raised the cry of the dangerous surplus in the
treasury Is because its policy and teachings are for
free trade. They desire free trade. They desire